Have you ever been asked "Are you proud to be an American?" or "Do you feel fortunate to live in the United States?" Whether you have been here for a short or for a long period, all of us should feel privileged and lucky to be here in the United States. The U.S. is the best country where everyone wants to come.

The Fremont July Fourth parade is around the corner. We're raising $65,000 to pay for the cost of the parade. It is entirely a community grassroots effort. The City of Fremont does not pay for the parade. The 2009 parade will be along Warm Springs Boulevard (between Whitney Place/Mayten Way and Hackamore Lane) on Saturday, July 4, 2009 starting at 10 a.m.

If all citizens of Fremont would donate just $1, we'll have a great parade. Here's an easy way to donate. Just go to http://www.fremont4th.org/ to log on to the Fremont July 4 website and select the DONATE button. Or, if you would like to do it the old-fashioned way via the U.S. mail, you may send it to Fremont Fourth of July Parade, P.O. Box 1372, Fremont, CA 94538.

We would appreciate your donation of $1 (or more) and forwarding this special request to your circle of family, friends, email groups, etc. and asking them to help out as well. In addition to donating, please come to the parade. Bring your family and friends for a great day of fun. Let's show the nation that Fremont is proud to celebrate the birthday of our nation and that we are proud to live in the United States!